The basic rules for this thread is to simply name all of the homages to previous TFs found in Armada, Energon and Cybertron. For purposes of this thread, an homage must include the following three attributes:

1. The homage shares the same name as the original figure.
2. The homage shares the same color scheme as the original figure.
3. The homage shares the same alt mode as the original figure.

If the figure doesn't include all three of these attributes but shares a similar headsculpt to the original figure it is consider an homage.

Using these rules, Energon Downshift and Energon Shockblast are considered homages to G1 Wheeljack and G1 Shockwave but Energon Demolisher is not consider an homage to G1 Long Haul.

These rules might exclude other figures that we would consider homages. In those situations, it would be interesting to hear opinions on what is consider an homage and what is not.

I think the rules are fine for true homages. Too often people see similar colors and they automatically yell "homage". Also keep in mind that there's a difference between using an existing toy/character as a reference and doing an actual homage.

why must an homage share the first 3 attributes you stated? because interestingly, i don't think a toy having the same name or the same color has anything to do with being an homage. to me, something is an homage when some part of the toy mold, be it an entire alt mode or simply a head scupt, is very similar to a previous toy.

Those aren't representations of previous characters. I mean, what's the difference between the relationship from E Omega Supreme to the G1 incarnation and the relationship between E. Shockblast and G1 Shockwave? They are different characters in different "universes." Besides, the original megatron was a prick compared to the beast one. Also, isn't homage, especially with the strict guidelines we have here, supposed to be a representation of the character? What makes the difference between an homage and a new incarnation of a character? Really, aren't they all homages to the original G1 you all worship so much?

I think these guidelines are actually far too strict, especially given the trouble hasbro has with using some of the original names. Admittedly, I call my E. Downshift Wheeljack, so I don't think the names matter as much. In some cases where the homage isn't clear, the name can be a helpful indicator. Notice that personality isn't a factor. It's all about the looks of a character, but then when he doesn't act the way he did in G1 we are more inclined to think of the homage as less accurate. If homage was really such a strick thing, we wouldn't have gotten some of the cool stuff we have, like the black unicron or the energon constructicons.

That being said, if we keep demanding the same thing then we'll never get anything new; and while some of you disagree, I think that's a bad thing.

Though I love downshift and rodimus from energon, I guess you could call those my favorite homages (rodimus as an homage to rodimus prime and not hot rod).